theveniceneighbours.com

Local suggestions to live Venice at its best / for its best

Tag: life

  • Deli shops in Venice

    Deli shops in Venice

    Are you craving the delicious flavors of Venice? Look no further! Our curated list of the best deli shops in Venice will satisfy your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or ingredients to create your own culinary masterpiece at home, we’ve got you covered.

    Discover Alimentari: More than a Shop, It’s an Experience

    Alimentari is not just your average deli. It’s a haven for food lovers who appreciate quality ingredients and unique flavors. Step inside and explore a world of gourmet delights. From artisanal cheeses to savory cured meats, Alimentari has it all. Stock up on your favorite delicacies and enjoy them in the comfort of your own home.

    Millevini: A Wine Lover’s Paradise

    If you’re a wine enthusiast, Millevini is the place for you. With an extensive collection of fine wines from Italy and beyond, this deli shop is a true gem. Discover new flavors, indulge in wine tastings, and find the perfect bottle to accompany your next meal. Visit their website here to learn more.

    • Opening Hours:
      • Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 1:30 pm + 3 pm to 7:45 pm
      • Sunday, 10 am to 1:30 pm + 3 pm to 7 pm
    • Address: Ramo del Fontego dei Tedeschi 5632, 30124 Venezia

    Aliani Casa Del Parmigiano: Where Parmesan Dreams Come True

    If you’re a fan of Parmesan cheese, Aliani Casa Del Parmigiano is a must-visit. This deli shop is dedicated to all things Parmigiano-Reggiano. From aged Parmesan wheels to delectable Parmesan-based products, you’ll find everything you need to satisfy your cheese cravings. Check out their website here for more information.

    La Bottega Del Gusto: Discover Authentic Italian Flavours

    Welcome to La Bottega Del Gusto, your gateway to a world of authentic Italian flavors in the heart of Venice. Our mission is to bring the rich culinary heritage of Italy to your table, offering a delightful experience that tantalizes your taste buds and transports you to the charming streets of Venezia.

    Prosciutto e Parmigiano: Indulge in the Finest Cured Meats and Cheeses

    Step into the world of Prosciutto e Parmigiano, where the art of curing meats and the craftsmanship of cheese-making combine to create a symphony of flavors. We invite you to experience the finest selection of aged prosciutto and delectable Parmigiano Reggiano, meticulously sourced from trusted local producers. Allow us to take you on a gastronomic journey that celebrates the rich traditions of Italy.

    Speciali Italiane: Uncover Exquisite Italian Delicacies

    Embark on a culinary adventure at Speciali Italiane, where the finest ingredients and time-honored recipes come together to create extraordinary delicacies. From handcrafted pasta to decadent desserts, our menu is a testament to the passion and dedication of Italian gastronomy. Immerse yourself in the flavors of Italy and discover a world of culinary wonders at Speciali Italiane.

    Deliciously Venetian: Indulge in Deli Delicacies by the Canals

    Discover the Gastronomic Delights of Venice

    Indulge in a culinary journey through the deli shops of Venice, where you’ll find an array of ready-to-eat recipes and exquisite ingredients to savor in the comfort of your own home.

    Acqua e Mais: A Delight for Your Palate

    Baccalà Veneto: A Seafood Lover’s Paradise

    Cibo: Where Taste Meets Tradition

    Indulge in Sweet Delights at Dolceamaro

    Discover the Uniqueness of Maramao

    Savor the Flavors at Osteria Vineria Gastronomica Sepa

    Experience the Gastronomic Delights at Enogastronomia Pantagruelica

    Delight in Savory Delicacies at Rosticceria Gislon

    Discover the Essence of Venice at Wenice

    Our tastebuds-blowing selection of deli shops in Venice is not enough and you are looking for something more comfortable? Discover our handpicked lunch places and our favorite dinner restaurants in Venice.

  • Rubbish & Recycling

    Rubbish & Recycling

    Until a couple of years ago we could leave our garbage bags on the doorstep and the dustmen would collect them. However, this was the state of every single spot of town in the mornings.

    Littering in Venice

    Seagulls and rats were absolutely happy about this. They had fresh food leftovers every night. A real party for them, a pure hygienic nightmare for us. We could not cope with it.

    Nowadays we still do the door-to-door collection. However the rubbish bag and the recycling bag must be either handed over to the dustmen or brought to the boat.

    In the morning you will hear the doorbell ringing. Often a loud voice will shout outside:

    ”Spazzinooo!” (“Dustmen!”)

    the dustmen

    If you have a smelly garbage bag (e.g. because of nappies or fruit or fish leftovers), a full one or it’s check out day, that’s the call.

    Handing over the garbage and the recycling is main thing we ask you on check-out day. It is crucial as this service ends before checkout time.

    How does it work

    They will come by between 8:30 am and 10:30 am. In case you had out before they come, you may hand it directly to them on the streets or by the boat. Yes, the trash-boat. In your hometown you have trash trucks, haven’t you? We got trash-boats. On the map in the official flyer (here below) you can see which one is the closest to you.

    Garbage collection mapDownload

    When and what time

    Every morning from Monday to Saturday they will collect the general waste. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays they will collect paper. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays glass + plastic + tins. No collection on Sundays.

    Any type of bag is good to go. Shopping bags, supermarket bags, plastic bags, whatever. Colours do not matter. The content is important. 

    Be careful: not recycling correctly and littering (also leaving it on the doorstep or using public bins is considered littering) are subject to fines (from €167). 

    Thank you for your cooperation.
  • “Acqua alta”, the flooding of Venice

    “Acqua alta”, the flooding of Venice

    Heard on the news that Venice was flooded and now you are concerned of the city’s situation and wonder if it worth visiting it? Let us tell you something. Venice is on sea side. Actually it’s in the sea. Not like Atlantis, but almost. Venice floats. “Acqua alta”, the flooding of Venice. Media love to scream it every year first time that high tides flood the city. Venetians do to cope with the high waters since ever, – even though climate change is making things worse. And you can still enjoy the city during acqua alta.

    What is acqua alta

    When the tide rises, some parts of Venice get flooded. Higher is the tide, more surface of Venice gets flooded. So, when the tide grows much due to weather condition, south-east winds and “sessa” (natural returning waves of the Adriatic Sea), we get the phenomena called “Acqua Alta” (high water).

    It’s a pain for most of residents who live on low ground floor, work in a ground floor shop or have a little storage because it means your place can get flooded. That’s what media usually show and scream.

    what media forget to say

    It’s a tide: as everywhere on the planet, the tide usually raises for few hours (3 to 6 hours) and goes down taking more or less the same time. So in half a day at worst Venice is walkable again. And all of us residents are busy mopping floors.

    St. Mark’s Square is often flooded: a bit, but it happens often. Why? I suppose all the monumental buildings are heavy and soaked the pavement more than other areas. So there the tide start giving problems when it’s 85 cm.

    Water-pumps & “tubs”: if renovated recently, most of apartments and shops have installed system of self protection from floodings. Mostly, door water barriers, water pumps and the reinforced concrete tub under the floor and side walls to prevent the water filters in. Otherwise, they are lifted and the floors are one or two steps higher than the street level.

    Walkways & wellies: even during the peak hours of a tide, around town there are walkways where you can walk on. Otherwise a pair of wellies can keep your feet dry.

    It happens for decades: it’s not a big deal. We live here no matter what. True is that the global warming made this phenomena happening more often and worse. Another good reason to be concerned about environment.

    Measurements. We measure the water on the sea level, not starting from the pavement. So if it forecasted 105cm, do not expect a meter of water in the street. For example, St. Mark’s sq goes under at 85cm, therefore you can expect 20cm of water on the pavement (105 cm – 85 cm = 20 cm).

    Sound alarm. Few hours before the peak you can hear a loud city sound alarm. More high pitched is, higher is the forecast.

    Mose. It took 13 years to realise this massive project costed 7 billions of euro. It’s a system of sinked waterbarriers where lagoon is joined with the open sea that come to float when the tide is expected over 120cm. It has been set in place the first time on Oct.3rd, 2020. Almost a year too late for saving us from the 2nd highest flooding in the history (November 12th, 2019 – 187 cm).

    Acqua alta the flooding of Venice. Photo of our storage the morning after November 12th, 2019.
    Our storage the morning after. The water raised so much that the water barrier and the “tub” have been high enough.

    Lastly, among residents it’s a topic for chit chat (“Got issues with the high tide last time?” Is the new local “What do you do at NYE?”) and for tourists it’s more something to have a laugh at then a reason to worry for.

  • How survive in Venice / How let Venice survive

    How survive in Venice / How let Venice survive

    Never forget that Venice is a very peculiar city, must be treated with a special care by everyone, including you

    Venice is one of the most beautiful and unique cities in the world, but it can also be overwhelming and crowded with tourists. To have a more authentic and enjoyable experience, it’s important to be respectful of the local culture and customs. Here are some tips for exploring in Venice responsibly.

    Backpacks on waters

    The water buses can get crowded, and it’s important to save space for other passengers. Sailors will remind you to remove your backpack to make more room.

    Backstreets boys win

    The best views and most authentic shops are away from the main streets. The larger and more crowded a street is, the more likely it is to be full of tourist traps and cheap souvenir shops. Walk down the backstreets for a more authentic experience. You may get lost. Oh well.

    Don’t sit on steps or bridges

    While it may seem tempting to rest on the steps of a church or bridge, it’s important to remember that these are public spaces and not meant for lounging. Instead, sit at a café or restaurant and enjoy the view.

    City tax / tourist tax

    Many cities around the world have a tourist tax, and Venice is no exception. The tax must be paid in cash upon arrival, and it’s important to have the correct amount ready. Please note: If you booked through Booking.com, the tax may not have been collected yet, just indicated a rough amount.

    Dry mouth

    There are many little taps around Venice that provide fresh tap water. The water is drinkable and free, so fill up your water bottle instead of buying expensive bottled water. The San Benedetto, an Italian famous soft drink company, has the main production plant in the Venice mainland area and uses the same water spring for their drinks. Otherwise wine is always a good option.

    Famelish

    How to fill that ginormous blackhole in your stomach while waiting for a main meal? Here are some hints to navigate in this sea of snackbars / cafes / taverns / takeaway in town.

    • Pasta-to-go, the disgusting option. Pre-cooked pasta briefly stir-fried in a sauce from a jar, eaten from a cardboard carton walking the streets. Every time a portion of that is ordered, an italian nanny cries.
    • Gelato, the sweet option. Scout for any place which is “artigianale”: at least, they make their own icecream.
    • Cicheti, the traditional option. Meatballs, finger food, crostini, tramezzini and other goodies (a rich list is on the blog) to have at the counter of a bacaro (local nickname for tavern – here our fav). Best thing to wash it down is wine (“ombra”, tiny glass of house wine). Or Prosecco.
    feeding pigeons

    It’s not only illegal to feed the pigeons in Venice, but it’s also unhealthy and unsanitary. Avoid feeding the pigeons and enjoy the city’s beauty from a safe distance. Why would you do that?

    Got lost? Need info?

    See Restroom.

    Identification & safety

    It’s our duty to notice the Police Office who is in our apartments within 24h from the arrival. That’s why we’ll ask you to scan your ID / passport when you check-in. These informations will be partially shared with the City Board and Tourist Boards: that’s why we’ll need to see them on arrival. We consider this topic extremely important as they are sensitive contents. Here you may find our GDPR compliant privacy policy.

    Maps

    You may find handy giving a look to this map with our favourite shops in town and this one with fair-trade shops, organic food sellers, free tap sinks and much more.

    Murano glass and authentic masks

    Plenty of shops sells fake Murano glass and plastic masks. Check always the tag behind and ask if they are manufactured in Venice before buying it. In town there are plenty of small craft shops #supportlocal

    Restroom / loo / public toilets

    There are several public toilets in town. Not many, pricey and smelley. It’s a good alternative in Italy to:

    1.  in a bar or a cafe
    2. order a soft drink, bottled water or coffee to have at the counter (or at the tables, if you prefer)
    3. ask if the restroom is available
    4. use it while your drink is prepared
    5. get your drink
    6. ciao
    Recycling

    Contribute to keep clean and tidy this place (read “the world”) respecting the recycling and waste collection methods and times: you can find the official flyer in the folder of the apartment or here

    it’s a bridge, not a bench

    Would you park your car in a tunnel? Probably not. Everyone has to go through the bridges so the “traffic” should be as smoother as possible. Stopping on a tiny or crowded bridge will make impossible walking by you for the others.

    Support local economy

    Residents in Venice still purchase in little shops. Shopping at small family-run businesses like butchers and bakeries will help support the local economy and keep Venice authentic and maintaining its social texture.

    Tasting free samples

    We don’t consider polite asking to sip a wine or a taste of ice-cream before ordering it, unless the tavern’s host or the parlour’s clerk suggests. Rather order just a glass or a scoop of it.

    The selfie-stick slap

    When you are finally taking a selfie, be careful how you move the stick around. You might hit someone. Also if you are just pointing out directions or things to see. You may still poke someone in the eye.

    Venice is a live city, not an amuse park

    Remember that Venice is a live city, not an amusement park. Be respectful of the locals and their daily activities, and try to contribute to keeping the city clean and tidy by following the recycling and waste collection methods.. Be respectful like you would like tourist would be in your hometown. Thank you

    Walk on the right side

    Just like driving, we follow this street code. Walking on the left side will occur several “accidents” and disputes.

    Window shopping

    Feel free to walk in any shop you like, you don’t need to buy anything, you can just look around, but remember always to say “Buongiorno” (good morning) and “Arrivederci” (goodbye) walking in and out.